WyzAnt Tutor Blogshttps://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogsThis is an aggregate of all of WyzAnt.com's Tutors' Blogs. WyzAnt.com is your source for tutors and students.Sun, 02 Aug 2015 14:46:40 -0500https://www.wyzant.com/images/WyzAnt_white200.gifWyzAnt Tutor Blogshttps://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogshttps://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs369866https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/369866/lightroom_improves_with_latest_updates_6_1_and_6_1_1David W.https://www.wyzant.com/resources/users/view/76871420Lightroom Improves with Latest Updates 6.1 and 6.1.1<div>If you're running Lightroom CC or Lightroom version 6, there is an update to version 6.1.1. This update includes the latest camera support, lens profiles and camera raw 9.1 which reads most of the recent camera raw files for the newest cameras.Also included in this update to 6.1 is a new Dehaze filter in the Effects panel, and added White and Black adjustment slides to the Radial and Gradient filters, Lensbabies profiles, plus a new Panorama Merge and HDR Merge to mention a few of the additions. I highly recommend updating to take advantage of these new features!</div>
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<div>You can find the Lightroom 6.1.1 download on the Adobe site here -&nbsp;https://creative.adobe.com/products/download/lightroom?promoid=KSPGB&nbsp;</div>
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<div>&nbsp;</div>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 10:29:36 -05002015-08-02T10:29:36-05:00369835https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/369835/what_to_expect_of_your_tutorVincent B.https://www.wyzant.com/resources/users/view/85897446What to expect of your tutor<div>Many times, when employers frame what they want from a potential employee, they want a college grad with tons of experience. Most of those employers, and the rest of the world, can't live without a device invented by a college dropout..the smartphone. Indeed, we cannot legislate intelligence. The more we 'lower' our expectations, and give outside-the-box people a chance, the more you'll get what is overdelivered, for what is underpromised. There's nothing wrong with the normal expectations, but there's nothing wrong with expecting the unexpected, either. I am always willing to submit to a background check, but am not willing to pay for it. After all, the purpose for getting a job, is to remedy the fact that I don't have money, right? I know you can tell, I'm a fun guy. *smile*</div>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 02:22:33 -05002015-08-02T02:22:33-05:00369788https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/369788/example_of_hypothesis_testing_in_real_lifeOn Yee C.https://www.wyzant.com/resources/users/view/84126590Example of Hypothesis Testing in Real Life<div>According to Toyota website, the average mileage per gallon for the 2013 Toyota Prius is between 48 miles per gallons to 51 miles per gallon. We would like to test the claim that the mean miles per gallon for all 2013 Toyota Prius is, at the worst case possible, greater than 48 miles per gallon, and we will perform the hypothesis testing at the significance level of 0.05.<br /> To collect data of the average miles per gallon of the Toyota Prius, we use the collected data result from Fuelly, a website for car owners to report the average miles per gallon of their vehicles. On that website, there are 95 2013 Toyota Prius with reported gas mileage. The sample size is at least 30, so it is good for us to perform the one-tailed hypothesis test for population mean. In addition, since the standard deviation of gas mileage is not given by Toyota, we will use the sample standard deviation to perform our test statistics. As a result, we will be using the one-tailed t-test for population mean.<br /> For the one-tailed t-test for population mean, the null hypothesis is that the population mean for the miles per gallon of the Toyota Prius is equal to 48 miles per gallon, and the alternative hypothesis is that the population mean for the miles per gallon of the Toyota Prius is greater than 48 miles per gallon:<br /> <br /> Next, we have to calculate the test statistics. Based on the calculation in Microsoft Excel, the sample mean of miles per gallon of the 95 reported Toyota Prius is 47.947, and the sample standard deviation is 4.328. The sample size is 95, therefore, the degree of freedom of the test is 94. The test statistics calculated is -0.119:<br /> <br /> The corresponding p-value of the test statistics is 0.5470. The following step is to find the critical value of 0.05 (right-tailed) with degree of freedom of 94, using online Student t-value calculator, the critical value is 1.661.<br />A null hypothesis is rejected if the p-value value is less than the significance level. Since the p-value of 0.5470 is greater than the significance level of 0.05, we fail to reject the null hypothesis. There is insufficient evidence to conclude that the population mean for the miles per gallon of the Toyota Prius is greater than 48 miles per gallon. The same conclusion could be made using the critical value approach. For a right-tailed test, if the test statistics is greater than the critical value, then we reject the null hypothesis. Since the test statistics of -0.119 is less than the critical value of 1.661, we fail to reject the null hypothesis. There is insufficient evidence to conclude that the population mean for the miles per gallon of the Toyota Prius is greater than 48 miles per gallon.</div>Sat, 01 Aug 2015 18:28:50 -05002015-08-01T18:28:50-05:00369780https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/369780/ielts_ielts_ieltsGina P.https://www.wyzant.com/resources/users/view/85862180IELTS! IELTS! IELTS!<div>So many students want to know how to get a high score on the IELTS. Yes, a band score of 7 or higher is possible, but you need to know the strategies and how the test is scored. If you don't know how the test is scored, you can't possibly know how to respond. That is why, one of the best hints is to look at the public band score information for each task.&nbsp;</div>Sat, 01 Aug 2015 17:19:02 -05002015-08-01T17:19:02-05:00369777https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/369777/northeastern_university_student_cs1100_in_computer_science_got_you_down_here_are_some_excel_tipsMonika W.https://www.wyzant.com/resources/users/view/78135760Northeastern University student? CS1100 in Computer Science got you down? Here are some Excel tips!<div>Hi everyone!</div>
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<div>I have tutored students who take this class many times. &nbsp;It is a very confusing class and teaches old concepts rarely used in business anymore, as the internet has changed how we use Excel and other data management tools. Further, it does not teach definitions of terms so it becomes difficult to look for information online.</div>
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<div>I wanted to give some definitions here that will help you at least search for help online:</div>
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<li>In Excel, things that start with = are called "formulas".</li>
<li>A bunch of characters together are called a "string". Strings can have spaces and punctuation.</li>
<li>If you cut off a piece of a string (which is done using the LEFT, RIGHT, and MID formulas), that is called "parsing a string".</li>
<li>An "array" is a list of numbers or cells. Arrays have have a : in them, and mean STARTING CELL:ENDING CELL (like A1:A20).</li>
<li>Each formula has a name, and starts with = and the name, then has a set of ()'s after it. &nbsp;For example, the IF formula goes like this =IF() - only the () always have something in between them.</li>
<li>When you set up a formula and it's done calculating, you see how it "evaluated", meaning the answer it gave. Since you can also do math in Excel cells, you can do =1+2 and it will evaluate to 3.</li>
<li>What is in between the ()'s are called "arguments". Each formula calls for a different number of arguments, and what is allowed in each argument is specific to the formula. For example, the IF formula calls for 3 arguments. The arguments are separated by commas, so it's =IF(something, something, something). In =IF, those somethings are specifically: =IF(logical test, value to evaluate to if logical test is true, value to evaluate to if logical test is false).</li>
<li>The reason why each formula has a different number of arguments is because each formula does something different, and needs to know different things. For example, =SUM wants to add up a list of numbers, so it wants an array in its (), and that is just one argument. But LEFT is to parse off the left side of a string, so it needs 2 arguments: what position to start at, and how many to go over.</li>
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<div>A few specific homework tips:</div>
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<li>For the parsing homework, use MID() as much as you can. &nbsp;It's hard to use LEFT() or RIGHT() except for the pieces of the strings that are on the leftmost side or the rightmost side.</li>
<li>Also for parsing, you usually have a column where the data are not standardized. &nbsp;For example, a name column where some names have a middle initial and some don't. Just handle these differently with an =IF conditional. In the example, you could use a =FIND command to look for the period in the middle initial in a column. Then, in your =IF, handle the ones that have a period one way, and the ones that don't the other way.</li>
<li>For the homeworks for calculating percentages based on lookup tables and total owed, first make separate columns for each part of the equations and refer to those in formulas. Then, copy the formula out of the separate columns and replace it in the real formula, and erase the separate column. That makes it easier to build long formulas.</li>
<li>The professor always wants you to use =IFERROR. Do this after you have built your answers - simply slip an IFERROR statement first, then nest the formula already in the cell in the IFERROR argument for "what to return if no error".</li>
<li>For calculating a straight percentage, think in terms of figuring out the numerator, then figuring out the denominator. &nbsp;For the numerator, you can use COUNT if there are numbers, COUNTBLANK if you are trying to count blanks, or COUNTA if you are trying to count a column with characters (COUNT will return 0 for this). Do whatever that is, and then use COUNT or COUNTA (depending on if your data are numbers or characters) for the denominator. &nbsp;For example, if I wanted to count the blanks in an e-mail address column, it would look something like =(COUNTBLANK(A2:A10)/COUNTA(A2:A10))</li>
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<div>Still need help? Contact me and we'll set up a tutoring session!</div>
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</div>Sat, 01 Aug 2015 17:03:41 -05002015-08-01T17:03:41-05:00369770https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/369770/geometry_does_not_have_to_be_intimidating_confusing_or_miserable_it_should_be_the_most_fun_math_class_in_high_schoolRichard W.https://www.wyzant.com/resources/users/view/85830777Geometry does not have to be intimidating, confusing, or miserable. It should be the most fun math class in high school.<div>When I took Geometry in high school, I was intimidated, confused, and just plain miserable. What had happened to learning math. I was a wiz in Algebra 1 and made straight A's on all my work, tests, and grade. Then in Geometry I was failing in all areas. I had to take Geometry in summer school to make up for the F, I made during my sophomore year. I went to college and graduated 15 years after I graduated high school. I took just about every math course offered. I ended up being an Industrial Engineer and had a wonderful rewarding and successful career. Just before I was ready to retire, I decided to teach high school math. After teaching 4 classes of Algebra 1 and 1 class of Algebra 2 my first year, I went to another school to teach, of all subjects: Geometry. I went over the text book from cover to cover. Then I decided to teach Geometry like I wished was done when I was in high school. From day 1 to finals, everyone one of my students really, and I mean really, enjoyed my class. The only question asked of me by my prior students was, "Mr. Williams, can I take Geometry again?" Among the hundreds of students I taught, I had only 1 that did not pass. This was because this was an older student that simply did not want to be in school and who failed to show up. Sadly, this student could have made an A as she was really smart. She turned 18 before the end of that school year and dropped out. For all my students that showed up for class, they found it interesting, actively engaging, and they learned Geometry is the most fun class in high school mathematics that exists. They measured things, they found shapes, they compared things, they described things, and learned to use what they learned in Geometry in and out of school, right now, not years from now in some higher level college math or scientific job. As I am now retired and now tutor students, I want them to see Geometry as my students did while teaching full time.<br />41 minutes ago | Richard W.</div>Sat, 01 Aug 2015 16:12:20 -05002015-08-01T16:12:20-05:00369761https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/369761/geometry_is_the_measure_evaluation_and_understanding_of_the_worldRichard W.https://www.wyzant.com/resources/users/view/85830777Geometry is the measure, evaluation, and understanding of the world.<div>When I took Geometry in high school, I was intimidated, confused, and just plain miserable. &nbsp;What had happened to learning math. &nbsp;I was a wiz in Algebra 1 and made straight A's on all my work, tests, and grade. &nbsp;Then in Geometry I was failing in all areas. &nbsp;I had to take Geometry in summer school to make up for the F, I made during my sophomore year. &nbsp;I went to college and graduated 15 years after I graduated high school. &nbsp;I took just about every math course offered. &nbsp;I ended up being an Industrial Engineer and had a wonderful rewarding and successful career. &nbsp;Just before I was ready to retire, I decided to teach high school math. &nbsp;After teaching 4 classes of Algebra 1 and 1 class of Algebra 2 my first year, I went to another school to teach, of all subjects: Geometry. &nbsp;I went over the text book from cover to cover. &nbsp;Then I decided to teach Geometry like I wished was done when I was in high school. &nbsp;From day 1 to finals, everyone one of my students really, and I mean really, enjoyed my class. &nbsp;The only question asked of me by my prior students was, "Mr. Williams, can I take Geometry again?" &nbsp;Among the hundreds of students I taught, I had only 1 that did not pass. &nbsp;This was because this was an older student that simply did not want to be in school and who failed to show up. &nbsp;Sadly, this student could have made an A as she was really smart. &nbsp;She turned 18 before the end of that school year and dropped out. &nbsp;For all my students that showed up for class, they found it interesting, actively engaging, and they learned Geometry is the most fun class in high school mathematics that exists. &nbsp;They measured things, they found shapes, they compared things, they described things, and learned to use what they learned in Geometry in and out of school, right now, not years from now in some higher level college math or scientific job. &nbsp;As I am now retired and now tutor students, I want them to see Geometry as my students did while teaching full time.</div>Sat, 01 Aug 2015 15:26:29 -05002015-08-01T15:26:29-05:00369588https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/369588/play_play_at_all_the_things_you_doJoe K.https://www.wyzant.com/resources/users/view/77627740Play, play at all the things you do<div>Are you ready to make some music and have some fun?</div>
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<div>Let's clap for one minute at the start, that's right 60 seconds.&nbsp; Clap at a medium pace and not to hard with your hands.</div>
<div>Then clap 4 times, 3 times, 2 times and finally 1 time. Do this a second time counting out loud 1 2 3 4&nbsp;&nbsp; 1 2 3&nbsp;&nbsp; 1 2 &nbsp; 1</div>
<div>Then shake both hands for 5 seconds, rub them together and finally blow on them as if you are trying to warm them up.</div>
<div>These simple exercises help us see what type of focus and energy that we have for our 30, 45&nbsp; or 60 minute lesson.</div>
<div>Plus we are warming up our hands and giving our selves a round of applause even before we start.</div>
<div>Plus 4 times a day just give your self a round of applause. It&nbsp; will help remind you to stay focused on being positive.</div>
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<div>Before we get started let's ask ourselves if all systems are go? Are we feeling okay, are we sleepy, are hungry, do have to rush the lesson for some reason?</div>
<div>For the next session remember what it takes to be you feeling best come lesson time.</div>
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<div>When we start playing, are we sitting comfortably?</div>
<div>What about our music materials, do you always know where to find them. Are they safe from family members or pets.</div>
<div>Do you have have a music stand or a way to see your music that is comfortable for the whole lesson.</div>
<div>What about the music books ? Are they easy on you eyes.? Is there to much information on the page.</div>
<div>Try covering part of the page with a blank piece of paper if necessary.</div>
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<div>Playing music can bring a lifetime full of JOY.</div>
<div>So during each lesson just learn one or 2 new things. Also remember if you really understand an idea it makes it easy to share or teach it to someone else.</div>
<div>Each week after the lesson decide how much time you wish&nbsp; to spend going over the lesson or doing other related activities such as listening to music, reading lyrics or reading about the lives of musicians.</div>
<div>Pick an amount of time that you can do at least 5 days a week.</div>
<div>Also try keep the place where you practice clean and clutter free.</div>
<div>Also try different instruments even if they are just bells or shakers to help your ears get used to hearing&nbsp; different sounds.</div>
<div>If you have a digital keyboard listen to all the songs and beats that it has to offer. Sometimes just let the keyboard play and dance and move to the music.</div>
<div>Also over time listen to all the instrument sounds on you keyboard as well.</div>
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<div>Remember play, play at all the things you do</div>
<div>peace joe</div>
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<div>&nbsp;</div>Fri, 31 Jul 2015 16:26:53 -05002015-07-31T16:26:53-05:00369582https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/369582/outside_thinkingAmber C.https://www.wyzant.com/resources/users/view/85897059Outside Thinking<div>It's sometimes too easy to get bogged down with textbook definitions and explanations, but how many times do students (and even educators) actually understand what it is we're reading? At the end of the day, what we remember is what we discover for ourselves. During education classes in college, my professor time and time again emphasized the important of leading the student to the door, but letting them walk through it themselves. Socrates was notorious for this method. Many of his students got frustrated with him since he rarely gave his own opinion on a matter. Instead, he developed a method that allowed his students to think for themselves, abandoning the lecture technique all-together. Here are three ways of student-centered teaching that Socrates has inspired:</div>
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<div><strong>Know when to use lecture. </strong></div>
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<div>Lecturing can be productive under the right circumstances, with the right students, and with the right content. However, many times the students only remember bits and pieces of what was said. The way to combat this is to get the students involved. Ask questions that lead them to a conclusion instead of reiterating what was said in their reading. Get their opinions. Using "why" questions instead of "what" can sometimes be much more effective.</div>
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<div><strong>Make it fun. </strong></div>
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<div>Everyone loves a <em>good</em> game (emphasis on "good"), no matter how much they say they don't. It sticks with them longer. A game or a song can be much more effective to remember a lesson than simple memorization. School House Rock is still the only reason I know the Preamble.&nbsp;</div>
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<div><strong>Grades don't always reflect mastery.</strong></div>
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<div>Grades are great, and getting better grades is better. However, focusing so much on the grades can sometimes frustrate the student and teacher to the point of giving up. If a student is falling behind, don't try to hurry them up so you can move on with the curriculum. It's better to get one point expertly than to half-understand a dozen points and fail them all. Get to know the student's strength and weaknesses and work with them on those. Don't get so focused on a lesson plan that you forget to see if the student is still awake.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>Fri, 31 Jul 2015 16:07:07 -05002015-07-31T16:07:07-05:00369575https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/369575/ways_to_create_a_musical_relationship_between_parent_and_childCanda N.https://www.wyzant.com/resources/users/view/85867761Ways to create a musical relationship between parent and child<div>Music is not just an amazing work of art; it is rather a FORCE of art. It can trigger your emotions, make you get up and dance, sing along, or motivate you to play an instrument simply for the reason of wanting to learn how to play your favorite song. Music alone can open up one&rsquo;s mind to IMAGINATION, to creatively think and form images, see colors, ideas &ndash; where your mind becomes a film camera filming a motion picture based on notes, melody, harmony, lyrics, one singer, a chorus of voices, or an instrument(s). The beauty of this is the FREEDOM for one to interpret what was musically created which ignites one&rsquo;s imagination.<br /><br /> <br /><br />EVERY INDIVIDUAL has their own unique interpretation of a song, the message is received to the brain in different ways based on each person&rsquo;s life experiences past and present. Music can aid in recalling memories, is used as therapy for the soul, it aids in increasing endorphins needed for exercise and movement, it can be used as a motivational tool, and serves as a profound partner to lyrics, which create songs with passion that forever resonate. Learning to play music encourages discipline, instills confidence, develops teamwork, and appreciation of art. Playing music also increases cognitive and sensory development and aptitude, increases mental and physical coordination, and strengthens mathematical ability.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Because Music is such an influential tool, it is used positively and negatively to influence people. The types of music and lyrical content has the ability to challenge one&rsquo;s views, shape opinions and cultures, form a person&rsquo;s identity, style, and sense of fashion, serve as a tool to create new dances, visual art, or inspire the creation of future musical sounds, styles and ideas.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Music especially influences our children - all styles and lyrics. Naturally children are na&iuml;ve to the influence of music when they are exposed to it at an early age &ndash; they are just as eager to embrace music as mature individuals but they appreciate music with innocent ears. Like adults, they are naturally drawn to a combination of elements that contribute to a favorable song or composition. It could be a driving percussion that makes them want to move or instruments playing an attractive melody that triggers their senses. Lyrics sung by a pleasant sounding voice or songs sung in the form of a chant can easily encourage the child to want to sing along or mimic the singer, not really understanding what the lyrics are about.<br /><br /> <br /><br />The music industry is not meant to educate children on life lessons, yet music that is for mature audiences is so easily accessible &ndash; we can tune in simply by turning the knob on the radio, switching onto MTV, BET, or VH1, or clicking online to YouTube. In this world of censor-free music and a money-driven entertainment industry, parents, teachers, and mentors must be involved with exposing children to music in two ways: 1) age-appropriate music that fits their level of understanding; and 2) music of different styles and genres. If we are around children, we all are obligated to share in making music choices on their behalf and collaborate on making children&rsquo;s exposure to music an enriched, diverse and positive experience.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Understand, to encourage a well-rounded musical experience, we can&rsquo;t simply rely on mainstream sources to provide that for our children. We must be involved and want to embrace music with our youth. It can start with simply taking time out with your child to share your musical influences, what recording artists, singers, composers, musicians spoke to you growing up and why, where you were when you heard that song, and how it made you feel. Playing quality music around the house is an easy and great way to begin exposing your child to appreciating music. For example, an activity of sitting down and listening to some vintage albums can revitalize your spirit with memories while teaching music history to your child in a fun, interactive way. Going to see the orchestra, the opera, or a family-friendly live music event can expose him/her to live music and how it affects the musicians performing it as well as the patrons listening to it.<br /><br /> <br /><br />When instilling positive music choices for adolescents &ndash; understand, they are going through a phase of self-identity and music is a big part of that.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Avoid forbidding a child to not listen to certain music without a justifiable reason. Just saying &ldquo;Because I said so&rdquo; just doesn&rsquo;t cut it; otherwise kids will find a way to listen to it anyway without your knowledge because you forbade it with no valid reasons. If you are a music lover and have already begun sharing quality music during your child&rsquo;s upbringing, continue the discussion but also be open to listening to your child&rsquo;s interests in new music. Set boundaries but be willing to compromise, for instance you allow the child to listen to any genre as long as the lyrics are not about sex or negative content, and then encourage your child to listen to the lyrics first.<br /><br />The saying of in order to move forward you have to know where you came from is the same with music as it constantly evolves. For example, if your child loves today&rsquo;s hip-hop and you are an early generation hip-hop head, show him/her the &ldquo;old skool&rdquo; sounds where it all began, so he/she will have a broader perspective and start to shape ideas of music. If you have a strong relationship with your child and have open communication from the beginning, your child will most likely model after what you have instilled all along.<br /><br /> <br /><br />If your child is studying an instrument or voice, find a teacher, mentor (music instructor) on the same page that encourages a child&rsquo;s individuality but wants the child to think about the choices they make when selecting music to enjoy. Keeping open communication with the teacher helps you to stay on the same page.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Music brings people together, its form of art bonds people together in the spirit of listening, performing, singing, dancing. The best part about sharing music between parent and child is, you are creating a unique bond with your son(s) or daughter(s), and you never know, he/she may desire a career in music and will appreciate you being a major musical influence in their early beginnings.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Canda D.<br />Music Instructor &amp; Vocal Coach<br /><br /> <br /><br />- Canda D. has taught quality private voice &amp; coaching services and beginning piano since 2002, and is currently accepting students in Greater East Atlanta. Miss Canda holds a Master's in Vocal Performance with a primary focus on vocal technique, breath coordination, crossover vocal style, coaching, and dramatic interpretation. Her music curriculum includes honing technique, projection and stamina, breath and body coordination, dramatization and stage presence, as well as learning and applying concepts in music theory, and music appreciation. She has coordinated and directed not only routine student recitals, but designed group activities with the objective of empowering students to develop self-esteem, confidence, and discipline, as well as create a support system amongst their peers.</div>Fri, 31 Jul 2015 15:31:54 -05002015-07-31T15:31:54-05:00369572https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/369572/creating_a_music_space_for_your_childCanda N.https://www.wyzant.com/resources/users/view/85867761Creating a Music Space for your Child<p>I remember when I was about 9 years old, when I first started to learn how to play piano. I would always spell out my notes on my music before playing through a new song - the bass clef notes were always more challenging than the treble clef. I remember my fingers touching the old white keys of the keyboard, each key stained with blue marker from when I had written out all the notes in C position (this is why today I advise that beginners use Post-It flags or removable stickers to avoid damaging the keys).<br /><br /> <br /><br />But what I remember most was where I had to practice. We lived in a one-story ranch style home with 3 bedrooms, and a den, and the piano was located in the dining room, directly across from the kitchen area. I was instructed to practice about an hour before dinner, I think so that my mom could make sure I was practicing, while she was in the kitchen. But it was something about my being in a space without the distractions of TV, my toys, an open window, along with my mom supervising and helping me (she also played piano and sang) the elements of music study and the supervised environment helped to keep me focused during my practice time.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Whether studying piano, voice, or a music instrument, if your child is having trouble staying on task, in order for your child to discipline themselves to a routine of regular practice, consider the space in which your child practices - where is the piano located OR, where does your child practice voice or his/her instrument? Does he/she practice music in a separate room or study or in their bedroom? Are they in a space where you can hear or even see them practice? If they are in a separate room, what else is in the space? Are they practicing in an entertainment room or play area?<br /><br /> <br /><br />By sectioning off a space or designating a room specifically to study, practice, create and appreciate music will allow your child to tune into a space designed for the purpose of making music. Decorate it however elaborate you desire, or keep it simple. Place not only the piano/keyboard and/or instruments and music books, install your library of CDs, vintage albums, CD, Ipod, or album player as listening to music is a part of study and appreciation as well. Hang or prop up, inspirational messages &amp; plaques, music achievements and accolades, posters of their favorite musicians, ANY resources pertaining to the art of music, that will inspire your child to explore and grow. Hanging up a full length mirror behind the door or on the wall is perfect for voice students so they can make sure they have good technique and form as they sing. Installing a chalkboard or hanging a dry-erase board on the wall is helpful for studying music theory.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Avoid having the TV, computer, or your child's toys and video games in the same space, as it creates a distraction and practice is then considered just an activity or game, when it should be more of a discipline that can become fun as they set goals for themselves. Remember, the music area/space can be inviting but also must emphasize study and the child understands that when he/she enters that space, they are to focus on music.<br /><br /> <br /><br />If you do not have a separate room to designate for just music, consider moving your piano or creating a "music corner" in an open shared space, like the living room, dining room or open study, where you are more likely to listen and interact with your child during practice time. Growing up, I wished I had a private music space to get lost in, but practicing in the dining room area had its benefits too, I received immediate support from my parents when I practiced the piano or flute, and getting hands-on encouragement can be a good thing.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Get your child involved in the building of the family "music corner". If they are involved in creating the space or contributing to it with their keepsakes, then they will naturally be motivated to jam in there!<br /><br /> <br /><br />Hope this helps. More blogs to come about how to keep your child motivated in music...<br /><br /> <br /><br />Happy Decorating!<br /><br /> <br /><br />~Miss Canda<br /><br /></p>Fri, 31 Jul 2015 15:28:42 -05002015-07-31T15:28:42-05:00369561https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/369561/relevancy_in_tutoring_my_experience_as_a_tutorAmberle H.https://www.wyzant.com/resources/users/view/77782560Relevancy in Tutoring: My Experience As A Tutor<div>I've only been tutoring through WyzAnt for a few months, but I have already learned a lot about how important relevancy is in tutoring. My student is an atypical one, but is interested in self-improvement. When I first started meeting with him, the lessons I had planned were, well, mundane and irrelevant to someone who is highly successful in the business world. Approaching a successful business person with some easy to read sentences from a 9th grade grammar book was not exactly appealing. So, I thought about what could make lessons more relevant and enjoyable for this student?&nbsp;</div>
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<div>I started creating lessons that centered around the business world; I used examples from business to make the otherwise boring grammar, spelling, and composition lessons not only more enjoyable, but more relevant. I believe that the more relevant to the individual student their lessons are, the better they learn, and the more enjoyable learning is. Relevancy doesn't have to be cheesy and childish either; it can be sophisticated and interesting, and still do the same thing. Find out what interested or intrigues your student; are they on a sports team? Do they enjoy a particular subject? Who is their favorite music artist or what's their favorite TV show? Using these interests, you can enhance learning and make tutoring more enjoyable for tutor and student.</div>Fri, 31 Jul 2015 14:38:36 -05002015-07-31T14:38:36-05:00369536https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/369536/care_and_feeding_of_the_brainChristie K.https://www.wyzant.com/resources/users/view/85876347Care and Feeding of the Brain<div>Every student can benefit from understanding how to get the best out of their brain. This basic information can improve academic performance by a significant percent with out any other intervention.</div>
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<div><strong>SWEF</strong></div>
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<div><strong>Sleep</strong></div>
<div>&bull; Two basic things happen when you sleep&mdash;1) body repair</div>
<div>&bull; 2) memory reorganization and long term storage.</div>
<div>&bull; Babies need 14 hours, school age kids need 10-11, teens need 9+.</div>
<div>&bull; Not enough sleep? You get sick and you can&rsquo;t remember what you learn.</div>
<div>&bull; www.webmd.com/parenting/guide/sleep-children</div>
<div><strong>Water</strong></div>
<div>&bull; The brain needs 80 oz of water every day to replace what you lose through sweating, exhaling and peeing.</div>
<div>&bull; As little as 2% dehydration causes poor short-term memory, trouble focusing, and difficulties with math computation.</div>
<div>&bull; Some water is absorbed from food. But you do really need 8 glasses of liquid every day.</div>
<div>&bull; www.waterbenefitshealth.com/water-and-brain.html</div>
<div><strong>Exercise</strong></div>
<div>&bull; Movement gets your blood flowing, taking food and oxygen to the brain.</div>
<div>&bull; 30 minutes of walking a day will improve your memory.</div>
<div>&bull; It promotes the growth of new brain cells.</div>
<div>&bull; It balances production of all the different neuro-transmitters that do its work so that you get the right amount of the right stuff when you need it.</div>
<div>&bull; www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improve-memory-thinking-skills-201404097110</div>
<div><strong>Food</strong></div>
<div>&bull; Your brain needs certain foods every day to make neuro-transmitters.</div>
<div>&bull; Not eating breakfast is like not breathing until lunch.</div>
<div>&bull; To make neuro-transmitters you need:</div>
<div>&bull; Aspartate--Aspartic Acid from peanuts, potatoes, eggs and grains.</div>
<div>&bull; Acetylcholine--Choline from eggs, liver and soybeans.</div>
<div>&bull; Glutamate--Glutamic Acid from flour and potatoes.</div>
<div>&bull; Dopamine--Phenylalanine from beets, soybeans, almonds, eggs, meat and grains.</div>
<div>&bull; Serotonin--Tryptophan from eggs, meat, bananas, dairy products.</div>
<div>&bull; Norepinephrine--Tyrosine from milk, meat, fish and beans.</div>
<div>&bull; www.faculty.washington.edu/chudler/nutr.html</div>Fri, 31 Jul 2015 13:25:08 -05002015-07-31T13:25:08-05:00369534https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/369534/how_many_times_should_i_take_the_satTeal W.https://www.wyzant.com/resources/users/view/85885732How Many Times Should I Take the SAT?<div>&nbsp; &nbsp; The SAT or ACT is the dreaded standardized test that students begin taking typically in 11th grade. From my personal experience, the SAT was nothing but a nuisance; you have to wake up at the crack-of-dawn on a Saturday morning and sit in a testing room for approximately three hours. As I advise high school students and parents about the SAT and ACT, I get the question "How many times did you take the exam?" very frequently. I took the SAT three times and two SAT Subject Tests twice with plenty of study and review time in between.</div>
<div>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I recommend taking the exam at least twice. The first time is the worst, you are nervous, sweaty, and not accustomed to the SAT unless you have been doing serious prep. After you receive your score and the breakdown in each area, you should work towards improving (if needed) and sign up to take the exam again in at least 3 months.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;As far as the SAT Subject Tests, I recommend for students to take two exams: one in math (Mathematics 1 or Mathematics 2) and one in the subject they feel most comfortable in. Many universities now ask for the SAT Subject Test especially if you are planning on majoring in a math/engineering/science field. If an AP course was taken in one of the subject test areas, I recommend taking the exam in that subject. These exams are much shorter than the regular SAT but prove to be somewhat influential in the college application process.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The amount you take the SAT depends on the individual student; however, it is not necessary to take it more than one even two times. Statistically speaking, your score should improve from the first to second exam. My score improved by a whopping (sarcasm) 50 points. If the student feels as if they could study more and get a higher score then by all means try it again. Remember not too stress too much and study!</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>Fri, 31 Jul 2015 13:22:39 -05002015-07-31T13:22:39-05:00369418https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/369418/how_to_stop_repeating_yourselfKathy L.https://www.wyzant.com/resources/users/view/85867690How to Stop Repeating Yourself<div>A common mistake students make is turning one sentence into several sentences by repeating what they&rsquo;ve already said in a different way. <br /><br />The wrong way (34 words): <br /><br />Princess Jasmine was the daughter of King Reginald. She was his second daughter. He had five children. He had three daughters and two sons. Jasmine was the second daughter out of the five children. <br /><br />The right way (16 words): <br /><br />Princess Jasmine was the second daughter of King Reginald&rsquo;s five children &ndash; three girls and two boys.<br /><br />I call the first sentence, the one repeating information over and over again, &ldquo;beating the horse to death.&rdquo; This expression means you will reach a certain point where you aren&rsquo;t adding any new information to your story by adding more sentences. <br /><br />The second sentence has all the important information in it. And does it using only 16 words. There is no reason to use 34 words to say Jasmine is a daughter three times or to say she is the second daughter two times when it can be said once. <br /><br />When you finish writing your story, read what you wrote, and for each sentence ask yourself if the sentence adds new information to the story, or if you already said it. <br /><br />Often several sentences can be combined into one sentence particularly when all the sentences are about the same person or subject. In the example above, all the sentences are about Jasmine&rsquo;s place in the family so they can be combined.</div>
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<div>Blog Post by Kathryn Lehan (July 30, 2015)</div>Thu, 30 Jul 2015 18:53:26 -05002015-07-30T18:53:26-05:00369414https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/369414/pq_s_5_outside_the_box_tips_that_make_tutoring_funPatricia Q.https://www.wyzant.com/resources/users/view/85894854PQ's 5 outside the box tips that make tutoring fun!<div>1. Teach the tutor: I like to have students tell me what they know.&nbsp; This helps to build their confidence up.&nbsp; If there is a fallacy in their knowledge, we work to correct that in a positive manner.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>2. Checking-in:&nbsp; How is the student feeling?&nbsp; Did they have a bad day at school? Did they rock their exam?&nbsp; Showing that a tutor cares helps to put the student at ease.&nbsp; Just taking a couple of minutes to check-in can make all the difference when a student is embracing material that is difficult to him/her.</div>
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<div>3. Real World Homework:&nbsp; Why should I care about this? I hear this a lot.&nbsp; If you can connect the lesson to something that impacts the student on a regular basis, then it makes the concept more tangible to the student.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>4. Smile, be Happy!&nbsp; The students don't need you to be in a bad mood.&nbsp; Many subjects are difficult as they exist already, and a tutor being in a bad mood can turn a student off to the subject entirely!&nbsp; Check your baggage at the door and be ready to go with a smile!</div>
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<div>5. Make Save Points:&nbsp; I play a lot of video games, and save points/checkpoints can be super helpful!&nbsp; Make a plan with your students to see where they are and where they want to be after a certain period of time.&nbsp; Create checkpoints along the way to gauge your success.&nbsp; Plus, it's awesome when a student can see where he/she started and how far he/she has come! :)</div>Thu, 30 Jul 2015 18:38:23 -05002015-07-30T18:38:23-05:00369412https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/369412/teaching_chinese_the_fun_wayDaniel M.https://www.wyzant.com/resources/users/view/81723150Teaching Chinese the fun way<div>Her mother walked through the kitchen/classroom during our first session.&nbsp; I was holding a chair over my head.&nbsp; I aksed in Chinese, "Where is the teacher?"&nbsp; The 13-yo student laughed as she responded, "The teacher is under the chair."&nbsp; Soon we found the student under the table, beside the TV, on the sofa, etc.&nbsp; Not only the student was having fun, so was her mother!</div>Thu, 30 Jul 2015 18:30:08 -05002015-07-30T18:30:08-05:00369387https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/369387/5_outside_the_box_tips_to_make_tutoring_funKelly I.https://www.wyzant.com/resources/users/view/858834215 Outside the Box Tips to make Tutoring Fun<div>I've picked up some tips during my tutoring and schooling career that I think warrants sharing with you. Tutoring, often times, already starts with bad feelings from the students, because they feel like their failures for even needing a tutor. So, here are some tips to keep their spirits up and their morals high. As a bonus, I've also added tips for the Tutee to make sure you get the most out of your sessions. <br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tutor Tips:</span><br /><strong>1. ALWAYS smile.</strong> I know this sounds silly, but trust me. I tutored for an organization where all the tutors for multiple subjects sat in the same room. It was so sad to see the reaction of cheerful students walkup to a dull tutor. The reaction of the student was an instant change in demeanor and they rarely where as attentive during their session. Always make sure to welcome your students with a genuine smile and up-beat attitude.</div>
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<div><strong>2. Use Life.</strong> As tutors, you're probably set with some solid examples for your subjects. But don't be scared to try new examples that are pulled from your own day-to-day life. I once explained unit conversion (a chem topic) based on how long it takes to drive from San Diego to Monterey. It helped the students and was a fun excursive. Don't be afraid to mix things up.</div>
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<div><strong>3. Read your students.</strong> A good tutor is one that is attentive to how their students are reacting. If you&rsquo;ve just explained something and they don&rsquo;t get it, stop. Don&rsquo;t say the same thing again, they obviously don&rsquo;t understand. Count to 5 and see if they&rsquo;ve had time to comprehend what you&rsquo;re saying. If they are still confused, either explain it another way or ask them to explain what they understand to you and help them get the rest done.</div>
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<div><strong>4. Treats make Tricks.</strong> In psychology, you learn that sugars boost lots of things inside your body - including your angry levels. While I don&rsquo;t recommend doing this for the younger grades, starting your older students out with something sweet (ie. chocolate or a piece of candy) not only boost their moral (who doesn&rsquo;t like an unexpected treat?) it also gives them a little extra brain power to retain information. NOTE: Make sure to check for allergies beforehand!</div>
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<div><strong>5. Make Them tutor.</strong> There is a progression with tutoring. The first few session are you helping them, but your ultimate goal is to instill in your student(s) how to properly think through their problems and start doing things without needing you. The best way to do this is to get your students to start tutoring YOU. You already know what the right answer is, but play the devils-advocate and have them explain why they did what they did and how they got to where they are. If they can reach this goal, you&rsquo;ve done your job! Well done!<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Student Tips:</span><br /><strong>1. Your NOT stupid, dumb, unintelligent, or anything else. </strong>Having or needing a tutor does not mean you are any of those things, so don&rsquo;t let yourself think that. I wish I had a tutor, and I was (mostly) an A student. We all learn differently and we all teach differently. If you&rsquo;re not understanding something, chances are it&rsquo;s because your teacher has a different way of teaching than you do learning. This is just natural and it&rsquo;s up to you to find out how you learn best. It has very little to do with your &lsquo;intelligence&rsquo; level. School is hard enough already without your beating your self-esteem down in the process. So keep your head up!</div>
<div><br /><strong>2. Come prepared.</strong> While this is a general rule-of-them for your tutor, you can&rsquo;t expect them to just &lsquo;teach&rsquo; you. Come with questions, with practice problems, or past work that you didn&rsquo;t understand. Help them help you!</div>
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<div><strong>3. Stay controlled.</strong> There&rsquo;s nothing worse than losing your temper because you got the answer wrong. It makes for an awkward situation for both you and your tutor. We&rsquo;ve already been over you&rsquo;re not stupid. So keep your head on and when you get frustrated, let your tutor know it&rsquo;s time for a short break.</div>
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<div><strong>4. Mistakes make understanding.</strong> Making a mistake is what you need to do to prove you understand what&rsquo;s going on. It&rsquo;s the mistakes that show you where you need to practice more or where you&rsquo;re missing some information. So, when you make a mistake, be happy! It makes your learning curve smaller (even though it still feels really annoying).</div>
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<div><strong>5. Share your success.</strong> Your tutors put a lot of time and investment into your success. Don&rsquo;t hid your success - no matter how small it is! I was so excited when my students would come up to me and say they had improved their grades by 2 points or that they got a C (when they normally got D&rsquo;s). It&rsquo;s the little things that keep you and your tutor going. You&rsquo;re a team, and they are trying really hard to make things easy on your. Keep them excited by sharing your successes.</div>
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<div>Do you have tips? Send them my way so we can share them with the rest of the world! I love finding new ways to improve my tutoring abilities and help more students succeed in school.</div>Thu, 30 Jul 2015 14:49:27 -05002015-07-30T14:49:27-05:00369254https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/369254/tips_for_successShelby D.https://www.wyzant.com/resources/users/view/85894401Tips for Success<div>As a student, many lessons were deeply instilled in me that have carried far beyond the classroom. I have come up with five tips to help you succeed inside the classroom and in the outside world.</div>
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<div>1. Get Organized</div>
<div>This is crucial. Number one has to be the first step for a reason. Without organization and planning, it is very difficult to stay on track and accomplish your goals. Begin at home. Keep a clean room, clean desk, and start a planner of any sort. Even if your planner is just a cheap dollar store calendar hanging on the wall, it will allow you to keep track of important dates and let you know where you stand along the way. Extend this to "your area" at school, work or wherever you may go. By keeping things in order you are making sure nothing menial is standing in your way.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>2. Create Checkpoints</div>
<div>Think of this as picking off a huge iceberg piece by piece. It can be intimidating seeing the big picture, but by taking it one step at a time, it cuts down your work and stress. I have one day of the week where I recuperate. That day for me is Sunday. I use this day to reflect on my past week and prepare for the week ahead. This is weekly checkpoint to make sure I am where I want to be. It allows me to learn from my mistakes, catch up where I may have fallen behind, and ultimately stay on track. Checkpoints also include smaller goals that ultimately help you accomplish a much larger goal. This can be something as simple as setting aside thirty minutes a day to a subject you may be struggling in, so that when a test comes up you don't have to cram.&nbsp;Under no circumstance should you ever cram to get something finished. When you are doing this, you are showing your sloppiest work. You're trying to get something done in the littlest amount of time possible, and quite honestly no matter how small a task may seem... doesn't that logically make it all the more difficult? As far as a student is concerned, cramming for tests specifically is about the worst thing you can do. Take it from a Bio major. When you cram, you're trying to shove topics that build upon other topics into a one night study session in the hopes of passing a test with specific descriptive questions-- in other words, it's not going to happen. Study a little every night and try to read ahead if possible so you can keep up to date with the content. By doing this, the night before the test is a review session. There are all kinds of resources available to you so you can test yourself. Get a good night's sleep and walk in confident.</div>
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<div>3. Ask Questions</div>
<div>Never ever be afraid to ask questions! We as humans learn best from our mistakes. No question is a dumb question certainly holds some truth, however most people ask questions that were answered immediately before. When asking a question try wording it in a way that will get you a new answer. If you don't understand what was just said, ask if there's a way they can reword it for you in a different way. If you can't figure it out, or if you missed something, chances are someone else did too! Speak up and don't be afraid to ask questions. That's the best part of teaching for me; answering questions. I won't pretend to know everything, but I'll always do my best to answer your question or find one for you. You can learn so much with just a little clarity. It helps me out so much when I questions to because I know where to provide more information or find new ways of explaining things to avoid any future confusion.</div>
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<div>4. Get A Study Buddy</div>
<div>Professors, teachers, and tutors are great (no bias here whatsoever). They're there to provide support for the things you may not understand and relay information so get it to stick. But this isn't their first ballgame. Find someone who is on the same level as you, in the same class so you can go over the information together. This lends to swapping ideas, reinforcing topics you've learned, and creates great studying ideas that really stick in the long run. For instance, in my first college anatomy class, my lab partner and I made friends and began studying together. We were able to push each other without pressure, and make up weird little study "games" that made the material stick. I still to this day know each crevice of each bone of the body from our study sessions and could probably recite off songs we'd made to remember them!</div>
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<div>5. Take Care of Yourself</div>
<div>The most important tip I can give you is to take care of yourself. I know this sounds ridiculous, but without this, nothing else matters. As a student, especially when you start getting into harder subjects, it gets hard to do anything but stress over that dreaded essay or test. Eating three square meals a day and getting eight hours of sleep each night becomes something we don't even think about-- until we burn out. Your body isn't built for constant stress. Give it a rest. Take care of your mind too. Stress isn't good for you. Go do things you enjoy, find your center, and try to keep all other tips in mind to help you maintain a low stress level. You will thank yourself in the long run for that extra hour of sleep or that big breakfast you ate before the test. If you don't believe me, try it for a week and get back to me. You'll notice a change.</div>
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<div>Now take this and go! And don't stop! Keep your head up. Each and every one of us is dealing with something different. Bad days happen to everyone, but take them as a learning experience and grow from them. I believe in you and you should too!</div>Wed, 29 Jul 2015 16:45:34 -05002015-07-29T16:45:34-05:00369232https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/369232/literacy_is_funFrancine S.https://www.wyzant.com/resources/users/view/85486551Literacy is fun!<div>Here are five "outside the box" tips that make my tutoring lessons fun: (1 I always respect my students, wherever they start from and whatever their goals; (2 I always try to include at least one fun activity in each lesson that is related to the subject at hand; (3 My lessons are always age-appropriate, including the amount and type of homework given; (4 It's OK to be a little goofy around me - learning is important, but you don't have to be dead serious all of the time; (5 Nothing makes me happier than to see my students' eyes light up when they have mastered a new skill or concept for the first time! We will share the joy!</div>Wed, 29 Jul 2015 15:04:37 -05002015-07-29T15:04:37-05:00